Last Minute Fiancé

Falling for the Cassidy Brothers #2

by Carrie Ann Ryan

A single drunken night changed everything.
One positive test later, and I’m not only pregnant with my best friend’s baby, but I’m falling for him too.
Except when my ex finds out at work, I do the worst thing I could at that moment: I lie.
I make up a fake fiancé and my boss overhears.
Now I need my best friend to play the part. He’s good at it, too, since we can’t keep our hands off each other.
When we’re both forced to lean on each other, we’ll have to face facts.
There’s nothing fake about this relationship.
Even if I’ll break my heart in the process.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Surprise Pregnancy, Small Town Romance

314 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2024

About the author

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:

The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series

Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.

Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.

The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.

Reviews

[Pauline Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! The tropes! Best friends to lovers, Surprise baby, fake fiancé...Last Minute Fiance has it all.

I love that we are continuing to 'see' Greer's brothers who only really came to Denver to be closer to her with Luca, our hero and child genius being the youngest.

The story of Addison and Luca is just lovely and what you'd hope for your best friend. A lovely, sweet love story.

I mean the writing was on the wall! Why did it take them so long to realise their feelings?

Another great addition with the promise of August and Paisley to come...it's about time!

[Krissreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️ 4/5🎧

——• Friends to lovers💛

I loved Addison and Luca, their romance was about how two best friends fall pregnant from a one night stand and then pretend to be engaged only for everything to fall apart BUT their relationship. Everything about these two were fun and loving with the best part being how there was no third act breakup, only love and it was beautiful.

Would defiantly recommend this one!

[✨ Just Another Bookwyrm ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how open and unafraid they were to share their thoughts and feelings, and they shared just about everything with each other. That’s SO rare to read and heart meltingly perfect 🥰. True best friends in love ❤️.

Loved the tropes in this one (friends to lovers, accidental baby for instance), and the audiobook was also top notch 👌

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cassidy Brothers are full of SURPRISES! In this story, we have Luca Cassidy, the youngest Cassidy sibling, and Addison Lily, Devney and Paisley's Best Friend, as well as the Best Friend of Luca.

We start with a birthday celebration that leads to a drunken night of fun between Luca and Addison. Honestly, after seeing these two together in the last book, I am surprised they hadn't hooked up before now. Anyway, their shenanigans have the ultimate consequence: a positive pregnancy test. But the fun doesn't stop there. If you read the first book in the series, GOOD TIME BOYFRIEND, you'll know all about Addison's hostile work environment; when she and her ex are up for the same promotion, she lets it slip that she's engaged, and when her boss overhears her he is excited to meet her Finacé at their upcoming company retreat. See what I mean...let the fun begin!

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewLMF



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two were just so perfect together! Their story felt light, and airy, and loving, and sweet (as well as hot!), and they gave me some unexpected lol’s along the way. Being with them as they realized everything they wanted, everyone they wanted, all that they could ever need, was right there and they already had it all, loved it <3

[ZETTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbreakable Bond!!!

Addison Lily and Luca Cassidy whom we've met in the previous book ( GOOD TIME BOYFRIEND ) were best-friends. They met thanks to Addison's best-friend Devney and Luca's older brother Heath love affair. There was an instant connection between Addison and Luca. They both had too much to drink one night which let them to make a decision that changed their lives forever.

Now they had to face the consequences of their actions. Addison knows that Luca will always be there for her, no matter what. So when her ex told her that he was bringing his fiancée to the company's weekend retreat, she blurted our that she would be bringing her fiancé as well. Which was a lie, her boss who overheard wanted to meet her fiancé so she had to ask her best-friend and the father of her unborn child to play a role.

She never expected to feel like their role playing was becoming a reality. Luca never thought he would had a second chance at happiness after he lost Ashleigh, the first woman he'd ever wanted to build a future with. To be able to have an opportunity to do it now with Addison was a great gift. One that he would cherish forever.

The way Luca and his siblings handled their parents coming back into their lives was well done. Love how the Cassidy clan keeps growing stronger.

LAST MINUTE FIANCÉ is the second book in Carrie Ann Ryan's the FIRST TIME series. It was sweet, fun, intoxicating and oh so irresistible. Carrie Ann Ryan did another mind-blowing job with this one. You guys should give this series a try! 5🌟🌟🌟🌟

P.S. I'm looking forward to August and Paisley's story! 😉

****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this book! Addison and Luca are best friends. They “accidentally” hook up one night and whoops, baby! Luca has always liked Addison but now is his chance to let those feelings grow. He’s already baby daddy, so why not fake fiancé?! Addison didn’t intend for that to happen either. I loved the relationship between these two. They were certainly friends first so it’s a natural progression. I so enjoyed watching them fall. I didn’t want this book to be over!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When two best friends drink too much and then share a passionate night together, what could possibly go wrong? Addison is trying to get a promotion at work, but the “good ole boy” network is a problem. When backed into a corner she claims her fiancé will be joining her on the retreat. Luca helps her with this ruse. During all this, they are trying to fight their chemistry and dealing with a secret their families don’t even know.
I love this new series. I love getting to see Greer’s brothers and the dynamics at play with all of them. I look so forward to more in this series!

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely new series. A difunctional family that found its way to healing. I loved the brothers backstory and how they all ended up together when they had a choice. Now, for this 2nd installment the two besties need to fake a relationship which turns real. Beautiful journey! I loved the voices that narrated the book.

[Edith-Marie Buonacore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luca and Addison are best friends but a drunken night of "fun", Addison finds herself pregnant.   As life spins around them, they find that they are too drawn to eachother to ignore it.  After a lie that they were engaged to her boss, Luca has to attend a work function at her side.  But no matter what they try, they are forever bound by a child.  I love how Carrie writes her stories.  The burn between characters,  the struggle to ignore feelings.  It is all so intriguing.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, if you have ever wondered what happened when two people who are hiding their feelings for one another find themselves a little bit too drunk together, now you know. Carrie Ann Ryan takes us on a fun and interesting, but emotionally tragic and painfully traumatic story as two people slowly find their way out of the trouble them get themselves into and into the future of love and a new family within a family. Luca Cassidy and Addison Lily haven’t been friends for a long time, but their immediate connection made their friendship deeper than either of them could ever explain to anyone else. The chemistry between them however is something that neither of them would ever acknowledge if they were sober, but one night of their inhibitions being down leave them with a lifelong consequence when Addison turns up pregnant. At the same time, Addison is up for a prestigious promotion at work and needs to show she is a serious relationship so Luca steps in to fool her coworkers and support her like a good friend should. But spending time together as a couple, even a fake one, means that Luca and Addison are finding it harder to hide their true feelings for one another and continuously fall to their passion. But can they really get past their fears and past tragedies in order to give their future a real chance and find their happiness, or will all the obstacles in their way keep them from being a true family?

I will preface this part of my review by saying I am not a baby person, so whenever a pregnancy comes up in a story I tend to begin to lose interest, especially when they start to fast-forward and I know the baby will actually make an appearance. But thankfully Ryan is skilled enough that I didn’t mind the little guy’s appearance in Luca and Addison’s lives too much and he added to their story instead of detracting as so often is the case. Addison has been trapped for so long, slamming her head against the glass ceiling as she tries to make a name for herself in her chosen career, that she has lost site of the truth of happiness. We don’t work to be happy; we work in order to find happiness outside of work; in order to live a truly balanced life, you must have more than just work in your life, and she just was not able to reach that until her epiphany and finally learning her lesson far too late in the story. I loved seeing her eyes slowly being opened with the help of Luca and her friends and once she learned the lesson finding an all-new way to be happy in her career with a new and more fulfilling path. The love she denies having for Luca for so long is certainly obvious to the rest of us, but he offers him so deep a friendship and partnership that it’s still enjoyable to watch. Luca is a sweet, lovable, affable, and giving individual that has had so much crap thrown at him in his life that I am thrilled he finally, if totally by an accident of fate, found a way to get his HEA with a woman worthy of his heart. His past heartbreak and family drama makes him wary of his feelings in the beginning, but he quickly comes to understand and admit his love for Addison, if only to himself. I also loved seeing how determined he was to show he was all in on being a dad and partner to Addison for every step and everything she needed as they finally made a future together. This family is one that I am thrilled we are getting to learn more about, another spin-off of those crazy Montgomerys, but they are almost more heartbreaking to learn about at times than even the originals. Carrie Ann never lets me down and her skill with a plot and characters terrifies and amazes me more with each story she sends my way.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is written voluntarily after listening to the audio version of this book.

Lucca and Addison's story is an enjoyable friends-to-lovers story about what happened when two best friends had a little too much to drink and ended up sharing an Uber ride home, Everything should have been fine except when the car arrived at Addison's house they both got out together.

The night they spent together was the best night of both their lives, but they agreed it was a mistake and wouldn't happen again, little did they know that would be an impossible thing to guarantee, especially bearing in mind the consequences of their night together, now everything is about to change for both of them.

Their connection is strong they know each other so well and are each other's go-to person. The chemistry between them is palpable and undeniable and their friendship and affection are there for all to see. They belong together but are reluctant to commit as neither wants to risk their friendship.

Addison is fighting for a promotion against her obnoxious ex whilst having to deal with the good ole boy network at work, When her ex announces he's engaged and will be taking his fiance to a works team building exercise Addison blurts out that she too is engaged! Now all she has to do is convince Lucca to go with her!

They agree to take life one step at a time always facing the future together. Luca assures her he will be by her side every step of the way but then he realizes he's in love with her and will do whatever he has to do to make her admit that she feels the same about him.

Their journey isn't an easy one, her work is impossible and Luca seems to always be buried in puppies and kittens. There is so much tension and angst as they find themselves having to deal with difficult situations beyond their control. I loved how their story progressed and how they finally had to admit their feelings. I love Luca he was so attentive and caring he has some issues but is trying to get over them, Addison is independent, strong, spunky and fun. I loved listening as their love story unfolded and how even though their engagement started as fake Luca is determined to convince Addison to marry him.

The narration of this book by Callie Dalton and Jason Clarke is excellent they added depth and feeling to a story that was full of them. The characters are brought to life perfectly, every emotion is there to hear in their voices. They raised a beautiful story to an even higher level.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second installment of the First Time series was a good read. In this friends to lovers, accidental pregnancy, fake fiance read we get Luca and Addison's story. Now I will admit that after listing all of the tropes related to this book that it covers almost all of the romance bases. So onto Luca and Addison.

Luca Cassidy is a vet that has relocated to Colorado to be closer to his family. He has had his share of heartache and is not looking for a relationship since he is busy with his career and practice but has formed a friendship with Addison.

Addison Lily is friends with the Cassidy family. She is in a job that she loves but is just not in love with working for her employer - a good old boys club but since she is trying to advance herself at her career despite working with her ex, she is too busy for a relationship.

So this pair gave into their attraction despite being friends after a drunken night only to later become parents. The fake fiance comes into this story when Addison invented a deeper relationship with Luca as a means to try to get a promotion at her job - the same place where she is not in love working at and is now competing with her ex for the same promotion.

So where this story is a little predicable in that their one night ends up in a surprise pregnancy and that they pair has deeper feelings for each other than they at first realized along with the need for the fake relationship it was still a good story. The only thing that I was not in love with was despite how miserable Addison was at her place of employment, she really did not want to do anything to make herself happy despite having connections and a support group of friends that would help her. She also spends a lot of time trying to please an employer that treats her as if she is no better than an administrative assistant.

Overall, I did enjoy this book as the plot moved along and I do look forward to seeing what is next with this series. The characters had chemistry that was off the charts and once they accepted what was going on with them made for a good read.

[Jessica Matts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Colorado and the Cassidy brothers…and their friends (which may include an Montgomery or two).

Last Minute Fiancé is Addison’s & Luca’s story and takes place shortly after Good Time Boyfriend.

Luca is the youngest Cassidy brother, and a vet…who has been dealt a little bit of heartbreak in the past. Addison is Denvey’s best friend, enjoys numbers, and is stuck in a job that she isn’t sure if she still loves or not.

At a birthday party…they both might have had a few too many birthday shots & cake…and it might have led to a few things in the bedroom.

What happens when you’re working in a male dominant field and find out that you might not get the promotion that you’re more than qualified for…because you’re a single, independent woman?

Well…you might talk your best friend into going along with your little ‘white’ lie…that you’ve engaged…and, oh could he take the weekend off to come to a business retreat with you? After a little in-home test confirms something else?

What to do when you’re both freaking out about the results of that little in-home test, your boss is a giant a-hole, and your ex gets the promotion?

Throw in some family drama, wine, kittens and puppies—and you have the storyline for Last Minute Fiancé. To find out how Addison & Luca navigate the ups and downs of what life is throwing at time…plus catching up with Luca’s siblings—grab Last Minute Fiancé as soon as it comes out.

I love these little spin-off series that Carrie Ann does from the wider Montgomery Ink world. You not only get to know a wonderful group of people—but it gives you a lot of books to later buy and binge read. Last Minute Fiancé is a five out of five stars, and I can’t wait for the final book in this ‘short’ series, which is due out in October—but until then, grab a series (or two…or three) and get to know the Cassidy brothers, the Montgomerys, and all their friends and family.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of reading Last Minute Fiancé, the second installment in her First Time series. As a fan of contemporary romance novels, I was excited to dive into this book and see what it had to offer.

The story follows the journey of Addison and Lucas, two best friends who find themselves in an unexpected situation after a drunken night together. The author does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of their relationship, balancing the emotional depth with the steamy romance that develops between them.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the way the characters were written. Addison and Lucas felt authentic and relatable, making it easy for me to connect with them on an emotional level. The inclusion of Addison's ex and the supporting cast added an extra layer of tension and drama, keeping me engaged throughout the story.

The themes of vulnerability and trust were particularly well-executed in this novel. Watching Addison and Lucas confront their fears and insecurities as they navigate their new roles as parents and partners was both heartwarming and emotionally resonant. It's a testament to Carrie Ann Ryan's writing that I found myself invested in their journey and rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their path.

While the pacing was generally well-balanced, there were a few moments where I felt the narrative moved a bit too quickly. Additionally, I would have liked to see a bit more development in some of the supporting characters, as they sometimes felt a bit one-dimensional.

Overall, Last Minute Fiancé is a solid addition to the contemporary romance genre. Carrie Ann Ryan's signature blend of emotional depth and steamy chemistry makes this a must-read for fans of the genre. If you're looking for a captivating love story with well-developed characters and a touch of drama, I highly recommend giving this book a try.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**

Best friends to lovers with two people who are perfect for each other! “Last Minute Fiancé” is a romantic, heartfelt, and swoony fake dating marriage that I loved so much.

Addison and Luca have been close friends ever since they first met. They are each other’s biggest supporters but have never crossed any romantic lines until one drunken night. And both are surprised when a pregnancy test shows two pink lines. To add to the madness of their lives, Addison is up for a big promotion at work and says that Luca is her fiancé. However, as they spend time together as fake fiancés, there is nothing fake about their future and feelings for each other.

I loved Addison and Luca from the beginning and loved how their relationship progressed from friends to more. Addison is smart, caring and a total boss woman at her finance job. She’s constantly up against the patriarchy but works hard to be the best and further her career. Luca is so swoon worthy and I loved that he was a veterinarian. His heart is big, caring and it shows through his love for animals and for how he cares for Addison. Addison and Luca were truly friends and that showed how they handled everything that they went through together. Both were surprised with the pregnancy but were all in once they had some time to digest it. Their chemistry was sizzling hot and only grew hotter as the story went on. But the best part was how they connected emotionally. They were truly meant for each other and I loved the ending, it was so sweet and wrapped it up perfectly.

Jason Clarke and Callie Dalton were great as Luca and Addison. Jason brought all of Luca’s caring and protective side out perfectly. Luca is not afraid to show his emotions and Jason brought those alive perfectly. Callie was wonderful and I loved her narration as she brought the smart and confident Addison to life.

[Heather M Jones-Lancto · Rating 4 out of 5]

We briefly met Luca Cassidy in 'Best-Friend Temptation' when his sister Greer fell in love with Ford and Noah and decided to become part of a poly relationship. The Cassidy men elected to move to Colorado to be closer to their sister in the hopes of getting to know her better and reverse some of the damage done by their parents. Growing up, Luca was an exceptional child who was able to skip grades in school and graduate early from college. Since moving he has established a veterinarian clinic with an old friend from university.

Addison Lily became quick friends with Luca when her best friend Devney fell for Heath Cassidy. Luca and Addison developed a very close friendship. Addison has always been good with numbers and worked hard to earn her position at a top financial firm. Unfortunately for Addison, the company has a 'Good Ole Boys' atmosphere and she has to work extra hard to gain any advancements within the organization. Sometimes this may mean not always playing by the rules.

When the two best friends get a lot drunk at a birthday party their true feelings come to light. One thing leads to another and Addison finds herself asking Luca to pretend to be her fiance at a work retreat in order to impress her boss. One thing leads to another and things unravel from there. The once best friends find that their relationship is quickly building into something more.

I absolutely adore the Cassidy siblings. The mental torture that these four endured at the hands of their parents, a couple that has been married and divorced three times, would have caused severe damage to any normal individual. Not to mention the not so brilliant idea of separating the children, boys with day and girl with mom, which caused the siblings to not truly get to know one another.

For all that Luca and Addison have endured, Luca with his family and Addison with her work, they have never become bitter individuals; both are very even mannered and unfazed. It was great to see their wonderful friendship evolve and grow. I was happy to see both characters development both personally and professionally. Even though the Cassidy siblings may not all have had one another to lean on when they were growing up, they are quickly learning that they can now rely on one another when things become difficult. What an amazing sentiment.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jessica Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

💍𝕃𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝔽𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖💍
𝑩𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒏 𝑹𝒚𝒂𝒏

𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕.

”𝙸 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚐𝚘. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎.”

”𝙸 𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚍𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚝. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙸’𝚖 𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑��� 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎.”

𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒:
💍𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔
💍𝑭𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
💍𝑯𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕
💍𝑴𝒚 𝑾𝑰𝑭𝑬
💍𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒚

Once again Carrie Ann knocks it out of the park with this one! As always, this book was immediately devoured in a few hours! I've said it before but I will say it again- I will drop everything for a book by Carrie Ann because I'M OBSESSED!

Have I also mentioned that she writes seriously the best freaking male characters that will literally have you swooning and giddy! That being said I absolutely loved Luca! He was such a good dad right from that first moment,not to mention, he was a total simp for his girl and their baby. Carrie Ann really knows how to write the best men and Luca was no exception!

Not only does she write the best men but she also writes the most relable, strong and fabulous women! I absolutely loved Addison's character. Her struggles in a male dominated workforce were totally relatable to so many including myself! Carrie Ann writes the most lovable FMCs because I don't think I have come across one I didn't like yet!

As always, highly recommend this or any of Carrie Ann's other stories! SERIOUSLY, her interconnected series are the best! What are you waiting for?! If you need Carrie Ann recs, then I'm your girl!

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Minute Fiance is second book in the First Time series, a Romantic Comedy by Carrie Ann Ryan.

This story begins with a drunk-fest birthday party for Devney. Heath created a signature drink for the party and everyone, and I mean everyone, has overindulged in them. They are sweet, like a dessert, and the attendees are downing them like juice. Everyone is feeling no pain, including Luca and Addison. They decide to share an Uber home, but instead of saying goodnight and proceeding to his home, Luca gets out and walks Addison to her door. Yes, he's being a gentleman, but next thing we know, he and Addison are making out and moving to the bedroom.

The next morning, they agree it was a one-time event and they are still best friends. Until a positive test changes everything.

Addison is up for a big promotion at work. She's vying for this position against her ex-boyfriend. When he announces he has a fiance, Addison tells him she does as well. He calls her out and she tells him Luca is her fiance. Unfortunately for her, her boss hears this announcement and insists she brings him with her to the team event.

Unknowingly, Luca is speaking with his partner about his weekend with Addison at her company event and how the "fake fiance" act went, when Addison's boss's wife hears all of it. She is appalled at their deception and walks out of the Veterinary Clinic. Luca tries calling Addison and when he can't reach her, he texts her. But it's too late. She has already walked in to the firing squad with no idea why.

I was impressed with how Addison handled the "firing squad". You know the old adage about Karma? Well it proves to be true and not a myth a little while later. The Ex. The Boss. The Company. Yeah, Karma. Meanwhile, Addison is thriving professionally and personally. As is Luca. And their baby. The best quote from Luca at the end of Last Minute Fiance is "... a lovely afternoon of giggling and screaming their little heads off. Although at 3 months I didn't know if it was giggling and smiling or them just filling their diapers."

I thoroughly enjoyed Jason Clarke as Luca. His gruffness and yet his sweetness. Man oh man. Talking wet dream. Callie Dalton portrays Addison beautifully. Her strength and yet her vulnerability.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison is a number cruncher at a prestigious finance firm, and Luca is a veterinarian who owns his practice with his business partner. Luca and Addison have become best friends, but a drunken night of passion leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Luca vows to stand by Addison. When Addison hears her former boyfriend and current nemesis at work who is up for the same promotion is engaged, Addison announces she is also engaged. Addison asks Luca to be her fake fiance to help her get the promotion at work. Will a fake relationship lead to something more when feelings develop into something deeper? Will Addison walk away from a job she is no longer happy at when her and Luca's fake engagement is brought to light? When Addison has a health scare, can Luca overcome his fears and be there for Addison and their baby? Will Luca and Addison confess their love for each other and their desire to have a future together as a family? I loved Last Minute Fiance by Carrie Ann Ryan. Luca and Addison are an amazing couple with smoking hot chemistry. Addison is strong and independent, and Luca is caring and loyal. I love how Addison and Luca's friends and family support them when they learn Addison is pregnant. I would highly recommend getting Last Minute Fiance and the other books in the First Time series by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Ann Ryan hits another one out of the park. Addison and Luca are best friends. After getting a little drunk at a party and when the driver takes them home, he gets out with her. One thing led to another and they ended up in bed and told each other, they would talk about it in the morning, which they didn't. Addison is up for a promotion at work, but so is her ex who belittles her every chance he gets. When she gets sick at work, she realizes she might be pregnant. She calls on Luca, who comes over to get the results. They are both shocked, but neither one is too upset about it because they care so much about each other. When a work retreat comes up, she panics and tells her boss, she has a fiance. Luca agrees to go and they manage to get through it. I love the scene when she goes to tell her friends that she is pregnant but one of them beats her too it. It's a hilarious scene and very funny. They are surprised and not surprised its Luca as they know how close they are.

Luca has a sad past and he really panics when Addison passes out. He moves in and takes complete care of her, but no sleeping together. Poor Luca and Addison.

The ending of the book is great and the epilogue is perfect.

[Deana-Coffee, Books, Life Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addison Lily is a numbers lady. She’s always had a thing for numbers. She has worked very hard to gain her position at a prestigious, financial firm. Addison works at one of those companies where the men are at the top and just because she’s a woman she has to work doubly hard to prove her worth.

Luca is the youngest Cassidy brother and a veterinarian. How does your heart not go pitter patter over a man who loves animals. Luca has join the rest of his family in Denver to be closer there sister. Luca has had his share of heartache and a family past that causes him hurt. His vet practice is thriving in Denver. He has made a dear friend and that’s all he feels he has time for.

Friend to lovers is one of my top tropes and Carrie Ann Ryan does it so right. Addison and Luca have a beautiful friendship and a very deep bond. One night of overindulgence makes them cross the line. Both of them agree that it’s a mistake and not to happen again but yet their friendship continues. When the consequences of their actions become prominent, I love how they come together and continue as a team, and become more. Yes there’s a little bit of eggs, but we need that in a friends to lovers story. Last Minute Fiancé is sweet, heartwarming and super sexy all wrapped up in a beautiful story.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Love the brothers watching out for each other plus joking around which they are known for. I was eagerly waiting for this book since we got a little peek of their story in the previous book. These are definitely two of my favorite characters. I felt for her at her job with the ‘good old boys club’ and I was beyond happy for her when push came to shove, she made the decision and took her power back, even though it never should have gotten to that point. I was also excited when Paisley came forward with an opportunity for Addison which was a perfect fit for her especially when her health turned on a dime and she needed to work for someone who would be understanding and supportive and that would definitely never have happened previously. I enjoyed reading this story with Luca being so supportive of Addison and her parents are amazing as well. A vast contrast to his parents who once again show up, cause drama, and want to be the center of attention. They definitely need to go away and never come back. I’m thrilled with the way everything turned out for everyone and our new additions to the family made my day. My favorite line from this book is ‘go forth and take care of her.’ Can’t wait for the next story in this series!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed "LAST MINUTE FIANCE" I was totally pulled right into this amazing, interesting, intriguing, sweet story, fun, steamy, emotional, tragic & painful traumatic read with twists that keeps you turning the pages to the end.
Addison Lily & Luca Cassidy have been BF's along time finding themselves drunk one night they do what they probably shouldn't have if they ever gave into their true feelings for one another what would happen, stronger feelings for one another that's for sure, their chemistry is undeniable, something they wouldn't admit if sober.
Addison ends up pregnant after her night with Luca & she's up for a prestigious promotion at work & needs to show she's in a serious relationship, Luca steps in to fool her co-workers & support like a good friend would.
I definitely recommend to get this interesting story will Addison & Luca deal with their past fears & tragedies to give their love a true chance to see where it goes, can the get a HEA, or will obstacles in the way ruin everything they want to be a true family, it's an awesome romance you don't want to miss getting I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I'm so looking forward to "SECOND CHANCE HUSBAND" next book in series.
EXCELLENT EMOTIONAL HEARTFELT ROMANCE I LOVED IT 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟

Luca - vet (and actual genius)

Addison - investment banker

If this book is as a Taylor Swift song, it would be: Glitch


Stream of consciousness while reading:

-Luca and Addison have been best friends for the last year until one drunken night when they sleep together and then proceed to act like it didn’t happen for the next couple months, until they find out she’s pregnant. They’re both high achieving workaholics whose plans did NOT include starting a family any time soon, and Luca hasn’t been with another woman since his high school sweetheart died suddenly from a brain aneurysm
-For someone who had only slept with one woman prior to this and waited like 5 years to do so, this man’s mouth is FILTHY 😈
-MINE!
-I want to light her ex on fire
-I want to light her boss on fire
-My problem with this was the pacing. It felt like we skipped the entire pregnancy and relationship building that must have happened during that time. It also felt like some characters and story lines weren’t fully fleshed out, but over all this was a good read. This is the first book I’ve read that is set in this world, so maybe that’s why I felt like something was missing.

🌶️ Chapters: 1, 8, 11, 17

[Lexee Toste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It pulled me in from beginning to end and I really enjoyed the characters. I loved watching Addison and Luca come together and go from friends to more. They are best friends and one drunken night they end up together and they don't talk about right away though they are supposed to and then Addison is pregnant. I enjoyed the way that they tackled this seeing as they are best friends they do it together though they haven't figured out the rest of it. On top of that, due to a promotion that Addison is working and competing for at her job and the boys club that it is she ends up making up a fiance and blurts out Luca's name. now they are pretending to be engaged and dealing with the pregnancy and the chemistry they have going on it definitely becomes a bit of a mess but they truly care for each other and are friends first. This gives them the opportunity to let their feelings and emotions grow and become something real and lasting. I enjoyed watching these two fall for each other and tackle the obstacles and things in front of them. This was a really cute story and I loved it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[RomanceBookLoverinSeattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addison and Luca are best friends who after a night of celebrating with family and friends, wind up spending the night together. They both pretend the next day that nothing happened, but then not long after Addison ends up pregnant. Complicating things is the fact that Addison works in a demanding field and in an office that is not up with the current times, and being a single woman does not look good for the promotion she is up for. She gets Luca to play along at being her pretend fiancé, while trying to ignore the very real pregnancy.

This dealt with a lot of complicated issues. I love angst and accidental pregnancies and very much enjoyed that aspect. At the same time, I did have a little trouble connecting with them as a couple since the story opens with the one night stand and we don't see the building up of the chemistry and attraction. Loved the ending and how everything gets resolved and can't wait for more in this series. This one was 3.5 stars for me.

I both listened and read the ebook at the same time and felt that the narrators for this one really worked well for these characters. They gave the experience added depth and did an excellent job.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review:

I listened to Last Minute Fiancé by Carrie Ann Ryan and truly enjoyed it. Narrated by Jason Clarke and Callie Dalton, this is the second book in her First Time series and gives us friends to lovers, surprise baby and fake engagement with steamy chemistry and an amazing connection. Luca and Addison have a surprising and steamy night together with long lasting consequences. Together, they know they can get through anything, but when she needs help at work, he is willing to do anything to help her. Now they are spending time together and things are more real than they ever expected.

Their journey was touching, fun and emotional. Luca was caring, protective and a great guy even with his hard past. Addison wants to move up in her job but feels stuck in a way. Their friendship was honest and caring and I loved watching them become more without even realizing it. I am loving this series so much. The Cassidy siblings are amazing and are trying to build their bond. I enjoyed listening to this story and am looking forward to reading more of the series!

Happy listening!

[The Darling Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost There, But Still Missing Something
⭐️ Story: 3/5
🔥 Spice: 2/5
🎧 Narration: 5/5

This is my second Carie Ann Ryan book, and I think I’m starting to pick up on a pattern. The premises are solid, and the setups always pull me in — but the execution doesn’t quite land. It’s like the bones of a great story are there, but the depth and development just don’t follow through.

Take the work retreat, for example — it’s supposed to be a key part of the story and the whole reason for the fake fiancé situation. But it ends up being a blink-and-you-miss-it event with barely any interaction with coworkers. It’s rushed, and that lack of detail makes the stakes feel low and the romance a little undercooked.

These books are short, but in this case, too short — not enough time is spent on character connection, emotional buildup, or letting the story breathe. I was entertained, but ultimately left wanting more.

That said, I’m glad I didn’t spend a credit — these were included in my Audible subscription. And the narration was excellent — both voice actors delivered a great performance that made the story more enjoyable overall.

[Elizabeth]

I love it when best friends become so much more. {Audio Version}

Addison and Luca are best friends. They are a great team, and they fit perfectly together. One drunken night after a birthday party gives them an added benefit and a surprise to their relationship. Carrie Ann Ryan’s masterful writing completely enthralled me in the story and Jason Clarke and Callie Dalton were phenomenal in their emotional and poignant delivery as narrators. I laughed and sighed and fanned myself more than once with the heat generated by Luca and Addison. I love how he is there for her, supporting her, no matter what. His kindness and compassion for his family, friends, and work make him a swoon-worthy hero. I felt Addison’s frustration at work and wanted to clock her ex more than once. She was grace under fire and although she didn’t make the best decisions, I loved how she and Luca made them work. I’m looking forward to August and Paisley’s story next, as his tension and angst seem to build even more in this book.